Viceroy 280 VS newbie help needed

[andyevans]

All - I am new to the forum and need a little bit of help. I have acquired a 280 VS lathe in decent condition. One thing is that the leadscrew has quite a bit of end float. The manual clearly states that this can be adjusted with a locknut - but I cannot see a locknut at the tailstock end of the lead-screw and I cannot see one in the technical drawings.

I have a collar on the right hand end of the leadscrew with a pin through it - as per the drawings.

So my question is how exactly do I adjust the end-float and where is the locknut, is it in the gearbox?

Also, do i need a special oil gun for the ball oil nipples?

Thanks in advance

Cheers Andy

[Andy B]

Andy,

Hello and welcome to the 280VS owner's club!!
I can't help on the leadscrew question straight away (will have to go and look at mine for starters) - but regarding oil cans for the ball oilers, any one with a nozzle just larger than the oiler works fine (provided the oiler isn't full of dirt or sawdust, which can be an issue as many 280's come out of schools).
I use this type for general lubrication - https://www.mptools.co.uk/products.asp?partno=WES40F, and another for slideway oil.

Andy B

[andyevans]

Thanks Andy. I have had a Myford Super 7 for a couple of years so will have to see if the Viceroy is a step-up.
As a newbie on this machine is there anything I should be wary of?

Cheers Andy

[Andy B]

Just had a look at my lathe - it has a retaining ring with roll pin, just as you describe.
Fortunately there is no play at all in mine, but it came from a college where screwcutting was probably rarely done.
All I can suggest is to knock out the roll pin, and undo the support bracket to check the bearings.
Sounds like you have the relevant drawings, but if you're missing any info just ask and I can check the parts list.

Provided your Viceroy has been cleaned and lubricated, I can only think of 2 points to note. 1) the selection sequence on the gearbox, which is explained in the manual and on the plates, and 2) you get no visual clue as to what speed you left the machine at, without opening the end cover and estimating the vari-belt position - and you can't change the speed when it's stationary.
So if I'm about to turn a large / heavy / unbalanced piece, I try to remember to check the speed with an empty chuck first, or failing that to always start it up in low range (backgear) then adjust the vari-speed and change to high range as needed.
Despite that, I find being able to adjust the speed mid-cut a great help - due to my lack of experience I tend to start at a lower speed than others might, then increase it through the job once I can see that the tool is cutting well (especially on scrap-bin steels of unknown grade) and as the diameter is reduced.

Just thought of a 3rd point - being belt drive, the Myford would slip the belt if you ever managed to jam a tool into the work. You won't get away with that on the Viceroy - but you're probably better skilled than me and don't do such daft things!!

Andy B

[andyevans]

Thanks Andy - I will look at that. I am currently busy cleaning the lathe up and changing the oil in the various oil-baths. Its fairly dirty (emphasised by the white paint colour). I am a relative beginner too, so will take care with getting tools jammed up.

Andy

[Pete.]

Hi Andy. Congratulations on your machine!

I have the 280 Synchro, similar to the VS except the speed is changed with a lever rather than the electric control, and I have no speed readout. Is yours a metric or imperial machine?

One thing to take care with is when facing outwards, if you power-feed the cross-slide all the way back to the dial it will shear the aluminium key on the powerfeed shaft - and it's a good few hours work to replace it as it's right at the back of the gearbox! I had this happen when I let my friend skim his flywheel, which only just fitted on my machine. He was getting chatter marks facing inwards but good finishes outward.

[andyevans]

Yes - thanks. I am really getting used to the lathe now and am enjoying it. It seems much more rigid than my previous Myford 7 and i am getting excellent finishes and parrting off with ease! Andy